The hottest Science Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

March 2023 Space Stock Review+ ULA M&A

Case Closed • 176 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
💼 Business Science
  1. March and 1Q23 Market Overview: Space SPACs were down, legacy space stocks performed worse, and stock market volatility was influenced by changing expectations for interest rates and the economy.
  2. Space Stock Performance and Valuation: Different sectors performed differently, with manufacturing outperforming. Companies like SATL and LUNR were discussed for their valuation considerations.
  3. Analyzing the Potential Sale of United Launch Alliance: Speculation surrounds the potential sale of ULA, with Lockheed Martin likely to buy out Boeing's stake based on financial and strategic considerations.

Political Science

Life in the 21st Century • 176 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🌍 World Politics Science
  1. Science and politics are intertwined, and there is a need to integrate scientific understanding into political decision-making.
  2. Democracy is about taking action and beginning something new, with every citizen playing a role in decision-making and implementation.
  3. The power to act in modern politics has shifted towards scientists and technologists, highlighting the importance of understanding the influence of science and technology in political systems.

Links for 2024-01-20

Axis of Ordinary • 98 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Science
  1. Self-rewarding language models could lead to superhuman feedback in AI.
  2. New advancements in science and technology include brain implants for high-resolution brain activity monitoring.
  3. Recent events in Ukraine show increasing tensions and technological developments in warfare.

Links to Consider, 11/24/2024

In My Tribe • 273 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Science
  1. Banks face significant costs when forced to divert funds away from profitable fossil fuel loans to support unprofitable green energy ventures. This often results in financial burdens on depositors and can lead to bank failures.
  2. Scientific research is becoming risk-averse due to heavy reliance on citation metrics, which encourages safe, incremental work and often ignores innovative, high-risk projects. This can slow down advancements in science.
  3. Higher education significantly influences social class in America, creating a unified culture among graduates. In contrast, those without a college education often lack a sense of community and solidarity.
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Elon Musk and The Intelligence Arms Race

The Pomp Letter • 319 implied HN points • 26 May 23
🕹 Technology Science
  1. Elon Musk's Neuralink got FDA approval for human trials of brain-computer interface.
  2. This shows the fast pace of technology and its possible impact on financial markets.
  3. Brain-computer interfaces are direct communication pathways between brains and external devices.

A Couple of Links

The Heart Attack Diet • 39 implied HN points • 29 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Science
  1. Seed oils can turn into trans-fats when exposed to heat, potentially having negative health effects
  2. Nutrition 'science' can be inconsistent and may lack conclusive evidence on the effects of seed oils
  3. Research in nutrition science is challenging and can lead to differing interpretations of data

Links for 2024-01-10

Axis of Ordinary • 98 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Science
  1. Researchers are working on a global project for a general robotic brain.
  2. Genetics play a significant role in educational attainment according to recent studies.
  3. American isolationism could lead to disruptions in international trade and more serious global issues.

When Will Women Be Human?

Meaning || Matter • 19 implied HN points • 22 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Science
  1. Women in science, like the Morris sisters, often faced struggles for recognition and respect. Their hard work was sometimes overlooked because of the views society had about women's roles.
  2. Margaretta and Elizabeth Morris had to use clever strategies to get their scientific contributions noticed, like publishing anonymously and building relationships with influential men in science. They showed that persistence was key.
  3. Despite some advancements, women still had to fight for equality in scientific societies and other areas of life. This shows that the fight for women's rights is ongoing, and society needs to value women as equals.

AI makes scientists more productive and less happy

Philosophy bear • 264 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Science
  1. AI helps scientists work faster and discover more new materials, increasing their productivity significantly.
  2. However, many scientists feel less happy because they spend less time on creative idea generation, which they found enjoyable.
  3. The gap between top and bottom performers in science has widened, with skilled researchers benefiting more from AI, leading to concerns about inequality in the field.

DOCUMENTS: Chinese Researcher Who Mapped COVID Virus Two Weeks Before China Released Sequence Was on Anthony Fauci’s Payroll

The DisInformation Chronicle • 630 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Science
  1. A Chinese researcher who mapped the COVID virus was on Fauci's payroll before China released the sequence.
  2. Questions arise about NIH funding in China and the timeline of understanding COVID.
  3. The Chinese researcher's initial virus sequence wasn't published but was similar to later ones.

The journey is the whole point, the only point.

Pinch of Dirt • 157 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🏝 Travel Science
  1. The journey is the whole point and the only point of The Great Saunter event in Manhattan
  2. Traveling to Antarctica as a tourist may not be environmentally defensible, raising questions about ethics and moral values
  3. Plant hardiness zones are shifting northward, impacting the native vs introduced plant debate

We’re All Reasonabilists Sometimes

The Better Letter • 157 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Science
  1. Biased reasoning is common and can be found across the political spectrum.
  2. Our deeply held values and desires often lead to confirmation bias, making it hard to accept new information that contradicts our beliefs.
  3. It's crucial to recognize our own biases and the impact they have on our perception of reality.

Moving Places

Earthly Fortunes • 157 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Science
  1. The concept of being at the center of the map is an old idea that dates back to before the 1650s, and it is not a reflection of reality.
  2. Different readers interpret and react to written work in unique ways, similar to how chefs create different dishes using the same recipe.
  3. Maps, both physical and metaphorical, play a significant role in how we perceive importance and authority, shaping our understanding of the world.

John F. Nash Jr.'s Letter to J. Robert Oppenheimer (1957)

Cantor's Paradise • 205 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Science
  1. John F. Nash Jr. was very bold in reaching out to famous scientists like Einstein and von Neumann. He wasn't afraid to discuss his ideas with them, even at a young age.
  2. Nash had limited formal education in physics but still engaged deeply with complex ideas. He wasn't shy about diving into new topics and sharing his thoughts.
  3. His interactions with these great minds show that having confidence and curiosity can lead to meaningful discussions, even with experts in the field.

Meet William Godwin, the 18th-century philosopher who was right about everything

Outlandish Claims • 39 implied HN points • 21 Apr 24
📚 Literature Science
  1. William Godwin was an 18th-century philosopher known for his influential political and moral philosophy, as well as his pioneering work in creating engaging fiction like the page-turner 'The Adventures of Caleb Williams'.
  2. Godwin's legacy includes his complicated relationships with his daughter Mary Shelley and his controversial views on topics like parenting, which influenced Mary Shelley's writing of 'Frankenstein'.
  3. Godwin's critiques of pseudosciences like phrenology and astronomy highlight his skepticism of simply accepting scientific claims, while emphasizing the enduring value of humanity and the importance of self-complacency.

Identity In The Age of Artificial Intelligence

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 14 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Science
  1. Debates and discussions are arising about the impact of AI on human identity, sparking new questions about what it means to be human in the age of technological advances.
  2. Humanity's relationship with AI is being scrutinized by various experts, leading to energetic debates and discussions in fields like philosophy, anthropology, psychology, and sociology.
  3. As AI becomes more integrated into society, questions about identity, the abuse of algorithms, and the collaborative effort needed between humanities and computer sciences to understand AI's impact on humanity are emerging.

The drunkard and the lady

inexactscience • 79 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Science
  1. Having a vision can help you make significant progress in life. Instead of just wandering aimlessly, a clear goal can lead you to where you want to go.
  2. Without a direction, your progress will be limited and unpredictable. You might only cover a small distance instead of reaching your true potential.
  3. In life, it's important to develop a sense of direction. The more focused and goal-oriented you are, the further you'll move towards your aspirations.

Brilliant Simplicity

David Friedman’s Substack • 242 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🚌 Education Science
  1. Brilliant individuals can contribute to knowledge in two main ways: through challenging, complex work and by highlighting simple ideas that others may overlook. Simple ideas often seem obvious once recognized.
  2. Examples like the median voter theorem and Coase's theories show how simple concepts can explain complex phenomena, such as election outcomes or the functioning of firms, making them essential in economics.
  3. Even in biology, like Darwin's theory of evolution, simple ideas can lead to significant insights, changing how we understand life and its development over time.

What's got my attention this week #8

The Shift With Sam Baker • 139 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Science
  1. year-old Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is preparing to launch her largest show in Manchester.
  2. It's important to prioritize self-acceptance, and pushing through stress shouldn't be glorified.
  3. Read up on topics like Iranian female photography, the link between HRT and dementia, and the impact of plastics on health.

Fear of Trees

Wild Information • 117 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Science
  1. Some people have a fear of trees, which can be related to plant intelligence and time perception.
  2. Trees hold ancient time, and exploring forests can evoke eerie and beautiful feelings.
  3. Plants are believed to have intelligence, and this idea has been explored in horror, folklore, and science fiction.

TITAA #46: Golems, Tulpas, Egregores and AI

Things I Think Are Awesome • 137 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Science
  1. The post discusses folkloric entities like golems, tulpas, and egregores, which are created by humans and can have varied effects.
  2. Golems are creatures from Jewish folklore created from mud or clay with specific activation and deactivation methods.
  3. There are parallels between these entities and modern phenomena like AI behavior and strange chatbot interactions.

Pop-Up Trends

In Bed With Social • 217 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Science
  1. Art museums are making art more interactive for visitors.
  2. The concept of the metaverse may be shifting with potential influence from Apple.
  3. There is a rising trend of embracing imperfections in various aspects of life.

Did Kurt Vonnegut Hate Technology?

Litverse • 299 implied HN points • 02 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Science
  1. Some researchers fear the consequences of their work yet continue to push forward, showing an ambivalent attitude toward technology.
  2. Kurt Vonnegut had a deep fascination with the inner workings of technology but also harbored a strong luddite sentiment towards its potential impact on humanity.
  3. Vonnegut's work and beliefs highlight the delicate balance between the advancements of technology and the preservation of human values and purpose.

Reid Hoffman on The Best Possible Future

The Generalist • 500 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Science
  1. Reid Hoffman discusses AI's potential and risks in the final edition of 'Letters to a Young Investor's' first series.
  2. The conversation delves into the importance of envisioning a positive future enabled by technology, rather than focusing solely on dystopian scenarios.
  3. Reid Hoffman emphasizes the need to proactively steer towards creating a future that is radically better than our current trajectory, despite acknowledging the challenges technology presents.

Links for 2024-01-13

Axis of Ordinary • 78 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Science
  1. AI chatbots exhibit distinct behaviors from humans, often leaning towards altruism and cooperation.
  2. Advancements in AI technology like Amazon's self-talk dialogue agents and generative AI-powered experiences are being developed.
  3. In the science and technology realm, studies on the early universe, geothermal power in Iceland, and lab-grown hybrid life forms raise intriguing questions.

Living in a Lucid Dream

Wild Information • 98 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Science
  1. Lucid dreaming techniques like reality testing can help control your dreams
  2. Dreams can be as real to our brains as waking experiences
  3. Writing may inadvertently reveal truths, blurring the lines of reality and fiction

Spiral Sudoku

A Piece of the Pi: mathematics explained • 60 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🚌 Education Science
  1. Spiral Sudoku is a type of puzzle that involves filling a grid in a spiral pattern with numbers. The challenge is to ensure that every row and column has the numbers 1 to 5 without repetition.
  2. The grid is designed with specific circled positions that guide where the numbers should be placed. Understanding these positions is key to solving the puzzle successfully.
  3. This puzzle not only tests your problem-solving skills but also makes math fun and engaging. It's a great way to practice logic and critical thinking.

Pace Yourself

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 495 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Science
  1. In a fast-paced world, embrace varying speeds and allow different layers to move at their own pace.
  2. Building a strong foundation of knowledge allows for better understanding of new ideas and innovations.
  3. Consider pace layering when analyzing businesses and technologies, focusing on long-term impacts and deeper context.

The Leaves Turn. Recapping Q3 2023

Holodoxa • 119 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
📚 Literature Science
  1. The author reflects on the books they've consumed, with 67 completed in the year and 21 in the last three months. They share book recommendations like 'Albion's Seed' and detail upcoming reviews and reading plans.
  2. The author started a series on cancer genomics to make the science accessible. The topics covered so far are hereditary cancer syndromes, with more to come.
  3. The author shares podcast recommendations, especially after the news of Google shutting down its podcast app. They highlight new shows to listen to and specific episodes worth checking out.

Interview with AMNH President Sean Decatur

Science Forever • 119 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Science
  1. Museums like the AMNH play a vital role in preserving collections that help us understand the biodiversity and evolutionary history of life on Earth.
  2. Ethical collecting practices are crucial in the field, with a focus on forming partnerships and collaborations to ensure clarity and responsibility in specimen collection.
  3. Informal science education at museums, such as the AMNH, provides a unique platform for inspiring curiosity, understanding the scientific process, and addressing important issues like climate change to the public.

The Benefits of Walking Your Cynic

Outlandish Claims • 19 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🚌 Education Science
  1. Standardized education can be damaging, labeling individuals based on narrow criteria and stifling unique strengths.
  2. Achieving financial independence can enable one to pursue personal passions and explore the world at one's own pace, like 'Walking Stewart'.
  3. The philosophy of interconnectedness, kindness, and self-love espoused by 'Walking Stewart' emphasizes the importance of empathy and positivity.

The Cleavage and Technologization of Knowing

Banana Peel Pirouette • 118 implied HN points • 09 Aug 23
🚌 Education Science
  1. Specialization of labor and the rise of a literate elite led to a cleavage of knowledge across societies, with information monopolies and limited access to learning.
  2. The printing press and now the internet have transformed how we handle information, shifting towards automated thinking but potentially limiting deep understanding and critical thinking.
  3. Progress in human intelligence and virtue through technology has been a long debate, as greater access to information doesn't necessarily equate to greater wisdom or reason.

Overdrawn at the Memory Bank

Banana Peel Pirouette • 118 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Science
  1. The movie 'Overdrawn at the Memory Bank' showcases a blend of ambition and incomprehension in its attempt to imagine a futuristic world, highlighting a theme of technological advancement outpacing individual understanding.
  2. Specialization in modern society has led to increased complexity and automation, resulting in individuals having limited understanding of the technology that surrounds them.
  3. The advancement of high technology has ironically led to a decrease in general technical knowledge among the populace, making society more ritualistic in its approach to technology and the world.

Links for 2024-01-30

Axis of Ordinary • 58 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Science
  1. Large language models can understand the words they process
  2. New models like Eagle 7B and Meta are advancing AI capabilities
  3. Research in science and technology is achieving breakthroughs in fields like 3D printing and energy harvesting

The human x-ray scientists

The Quack Doctor • 9 HN points • 12 Jul 24
💾 History Science
  1. Albert and William Grant claimed extraordinary abilities as 'Human X-Ray' scientists, including diagnosing diseases and growing new internal organs.
  2. Despite their claims, the brothers faced scrutiny and criticism after several deaths occurred under their unconventional treatments.
  3. The story sheds light on the desperation of patients seeking hope where traditional medicine offered little to no cure, showcasing the vulnerability and trust of those in the face of incurable diseases.